Hidden Heritage of Siachen

We will pick you up from the Leh airport and transfer you to your hotel in Leh (11,500ft). You will be resting today and acclimatizing yourself to the High-Altitude environment amidst the picturesque Himalayan landscape. This day is called the Acclimatization day and is required to adjust your body to the low oxygen levels of this altitude.

After breakfast, head out to tour the monasteries here. Take a visit to the largest monastery in Ladakh, the Hemis Monastery. Visit the Thiksey Monastery, to admire the stunning statue of Buddha Maitreya and its traditional Tibetan architecture. In the evening, spend some peaceful moments at the Shanti Stupa watching the beautiful sun going behind the ghostly mountains.

Post breakfast in your hotel in Leh, you will be crossing the 17,582 ft Khardung la pass – known to be one of the highest motorable roads in the world. From Khardung it take a couple of hours to reach Sumur, the largest village during the times of silk route. Upon arrival visit the Col Chewang Ringchin Museum to see the stories of true valor! Spend the evening with your homestay host at the Silk Route Homestays and know more about the history and culture of Nubra!

Wake up to the blooming valley of Nubra. Post a local and organic meal in your homestay, take a couple of hour trek to the hidden fortress of the Sumur. The fortress was known to be the protector of the people of the village from raids originating from central Asia in the olden days. Visit the famed Samstaling Gompa ,towards the evening discover farming at 10,500 ft above sea level with your hosts!

The day involves crossing the Siachen river to the region which was once home to King Nyma Namgyal during the winter months. Hidden from the popular tourist routes the eastern bank has been untouched from tourism. On the way take a short hike to the sacred lake of Yarab Tso and visit the therapeutic hot springs of Panamik both located on the western bank. Towards late afternoon, discover the Ayee village and 1000 year old juniper tree.

After morning breakfast drive towards the Charasa palace, the winter capital of Ladakh. The fort marks an important piece of element in the history of Nubra valley and was designed by the tutor to the first Dalai Lama. Right next to the village of Charasa is the the largest Petroglyph site of Ladakh, with over 1500 years of history carved on rocks. In the evening visit the 600-year old Ensa Gonpa and hear the complete tale of Guru Rimponche who had a wish to make the Lhasa Monastery at Ensa. Stay the the Aranoo village

As the morning sets in on the lush green Nubra valley, we take a trek towards the crystal hill in the Nubra valley. The landscape in Ladakh changes at every step, making each village an interesting find. After the trek, we drive towards the mystical monastery of Yarma . Surrounded by the mighty Karakoram mountain ranges, the monastery is the last stop on the eastern route of the Siachen river. Right across the Siachen river you can see the Changlung village where you will spend the night in a boutique homestay.

During your stay at the Changlung village, discover, the gateway to Central Asia, the village overlooks the ancient Silk Route. Discover the ancient silk route wearing a hat of the traders and towards the evening hike to a nearby hot water spring. In the evening visit the Changlung Gompa for a bird eye view of the Nubra valley. Spend the night at the Changlung village.

After a refreshing stay in Changlung Homestay, head back to Leh via the Khardungla Pass. After almost a 5-6 hours drive, you will be back in Leh where you can plan your spending a nice evening in one of the cafes of Leh. Your journey will be concluded after arriving in Leh.

You can always add a trip towards Pangong Lake with this experience if you which to extend your journey!